The government of Ghana has announced new measures to protect athletes and football fans from trafficking and fraud as preparations gather pace for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Speaking at a national forum in Accra, the Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, said major international tournaments often create opportunities for criminal networks to exploit unsuspecting travellers.

He warned that the risks extend beyond players to include supporters planning to attend the tournament.

“As we prepare towards the FIFA World Cup 2026, we are mindful that the risks do not only affect athletes. Even fans can fall into the hands of fraudulent operators,” he said.

Mr Adams said the government is putting systems in place to ensure that travel arrangements for Ghanaians are properly vetted.

“All travel arrangements must be structured, verified, and secure, so that every Ghanaian who travels does so safely and returns home safely,” he added.

The minister also raised broader concerns about trafficking within the sports sector, calling for tighter regulation of agents and more robust verification processes for opportunities offered to athletes, particularly those seeking careers abroad.

The forum, organised by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), forms part of a wider campaign aimed at reducing trafficking risks in sports. Held under the theme “Play It Safe: Choose the Right Path in Sports,” it brought together stakeholders to discuss prevention strategies and awareness.

Ahead of the event, the IOM conducted a training session for journalists in Accra to strengthen reporting on trafficking-related issues in sport, highlighting the media’s role in exposing fraudulent schemes and educating the public.

With global excitement building towards the 2026 tournament, authorities say vigilance will be key to ensuring that opportunities linked to the event do not come at the cost of safety.